Michael Mann is a director known for his intricately-plotted movies and literary dialogue. Many of his films, in fact, are based on books (Manhunter, Public Enemies, The Last of the Mohicans, etc.) – but now, the director is making the reverse transition. EW has confirmed that Mann is launching a new book imprint, Michael Mann Books, which will bring together a stable of writers to develop both novels and nonfiction works.

One priority is a Heat prequel novel. The 1995 crime film memorably starred Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro as a hardboiled homicide detective and career criminal circling each other. The prequel novel would fill in the characters’ rich backstories and show them in their formative years.

Deadlinewas the first to report the news. According to the site,“conversations with publishers are expected to begin shortly.”